The VBC was established as an association on July 24, 1944. The goal of the VBC is to protect the interests of its members so that they can fulfil their role in the community in the best possible way. VBC strives to represent its members’ interests by promoting a high-quality business environment and investment climate in Curaçao. Its role in representing its members is reflected in its active ongoing contacts with the government, politicians, public authorities, trade unions, and non-governmental bodies. As such, VBC helps to define the socio-economic, financial, and fiscal climate in Curacao.
Through the VBC, businesses can take the lead in expressing their opinions loudly and clearly and at the right moment, jointly as well as independently.
The VBC maintains contact with organizations abroad and with many governmental and private institutions.
What does the VBC stand for?
- An open market economy with responsible enterprise and fair competition.
- Minimum government interference in the economic sphere with as much freedom as possible in the traffic of persons, goods, services, investments, and information.
- The removal of barriers that stand in the way of economic growth and development and defend the right of any investor to make a fair return on their investment.
- Promoting business for its members.
- To support and stimulate high ethical standards and codes of behaviour in doing business.
The association’s funds are mainly obtained from membership fees and fundraising activities. The general management of the VBC rests with the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is composed and elected from the member associations in accordance with the statutes and regulations.
The day-to-day management of the association and the execution of the activities in accordance with the articles of association rests with the Daily Board, which is supported by an Executive Director.
Current Daily Board members
President
Tarzeno Circkens
Vice-President
Mireya Hooi
Board member
Hubert Raper
Board member
Horace Hinds
Treasurer
Julian Lopez Ramirez
Board member
Gabriel (Boy) Magdalena
VBC also has an Advisory Board that can provide it with solicited and unsolicited advice in important matters. Current Advisory Board members are:
Board member
Bas Kooyman
Board member
Herman Behr
Board member
Omar van der Dijs
Treasurer
Yehia (Jack) Baroud
Board member
Reinald (Reintje) Curiel
VBC’s VISION
Creating a shared approach to realize socio-economic growth in Curacao, by continuously building bridges.
VBC’s MISSION
To create a business climate that contributes to employment, the well-being of our society, and economic development, by stimulating and educating Curacao’s private sector in carrying her co-responsibility to solve socio-economic issues in collaboration with social partners.
HOW DOES THE VBC WORK
- VBC provides its members with practical services, including assistance, as well as information on economic and social matters and on subjects such as (fiscal) legislation and labor conditions.
- VBC exercises its influence on public opinion, government policy, and legislation regarding the business sector.
- VBC takes a stance on current issues, both to protect the interests of its members as well as to stimulate responsible decision-making within the community.
- Within the scope of its vision, mission, and goals, VBC actively participates in several governmental and private organizations such as:
Social Economic Council
SER
CIFC, Curacao International Financial Center Foundation (CIFC)
KORPODEKO, Curacao Development
Corporation
Supervisory and advisory board of the Social Security Bank SVB
Supervisory board severance
payments
Social Dialogue Platform
“Plataforma Tripartit”